Internet Safety Policy

As of November 16, 2017, it will be the policy of the Washoe County Library System (WCLS) to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub.L.No.16-554 and 47 USC 254 (h)] (hereto referred to as CIPA) which requires the library to install filtering software on the Library's Internet terminals for protecting against access through the library's Internet terminals to visual depictions that are I. Obscene, II. Child Pornography, or III. Harmful to Minors. This policy follows specific guidelines to provide filtered Internet access in all public libraries receiving E-Rate discounts and LSTA funding.

The blocking software, or filtering software is inherently imprecise and flawed, it will inevitably block access to a vast variety of constitutionally protected material available on the Internet. Patrons are hereby notified that due to technological limitations of filtering software and constantly evolving Internet technology, filters are incapable of totally protecting against access to Internet material that is obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.

Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

Technology Protection Measure:

A specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are:

Obscene, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code; or
Child Pornography, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 17, United States Code; or
Harmful to minors, meaning any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:

1. Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;

2. Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and

3. Taken as whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value to minors.

Sexual Act; Sexual Contact meaning such terms defined in 2246 of title 18, United States Code.

Access to Inappropriate Materials:

To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet or other forms of electronic communications or access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by CIPA, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. For individuals age 18 years and older technology protection measures may be disabled or minimized for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Users with a WCLS card who are over 18 are provided a choice at the beginning of a computer session for unfiltered access.

Inappropriate Network Usage:

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Washoe County Library online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of electronic communications. Specifically, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking”, and other unauthorized disclosure, (b) use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors, (c) software piracy and violation of copyright or license agreements and (d) attempts to damage or alter equipment, software or hardware configurations. WCLS Public Use of Library Technology Policy is prominently displayed in the library and on the library’s web page. Individuals who violate these policies, after being warned, may be restricted from access to library services and facilities. Police may be called for assistance.

Privacy and Anonymity

Users will be able to access and use the Internet anonymously.
Sites visited by users will not be recorded by filtering software.
A user’s requests to have sites unblocked or filters removed will not be recorded in any way that can be linked to the user’s identity.

Supervision and Monitoring

It shall be the responsibility of WCLS staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and CIPA. Information about the ongoing blocking of content by filters required by CIPA will be made available to library users and the community.

Procedures for disabling or modification to technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the WCLS Director or designated library staff.

The library highly recommends that as part of its Internet Safety Policy that parents read Keeping Kids Safer on the Internet from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Adopted by the Washoe County Library System Library Board of Trustees on November 15, 2017.
Effective November 16, 2017

Printable version